The latest contemporary cabinetry is a simple and sophisticated option for transforming your kitchen into a modern space. A streamlined, contemporary kitchen design, combined with integrated appliances, thoughtful lighting and a mix of levels helps to keep your room clutter-free whilst leaving you more space to relax and entertain.
What is a modern kitchen?
A modern kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s an inviting space where function meets refined style. Imagine a room that feels effortlessly organised and serene, with every detail carefully chosen to enhance effortless living. Key characteristics of a modern kitchen design include clean, minimalist cabinetry (often handleless for a seamless, uninterrupted flow) along with integrated appliances that keep sightlines uncluttered.
The beauty of a modern kitchen lies in its ability to blend form with function. High-quality materials like composite worktops and elegant stone or marble finishes not only look stunning but are also chosen for their lasting durability and easy maintenance, allowing you to focus on enjoying the space rather than constantly maintaining it. With thoughtful storage solutions, these kitchens embrace a “less is more” philosophy, helping you keep countertops clear and essentials within reach. The layout of a modern kitchen is designed to feel open and inviting, often flowing seamlessly into adjacent living areas. This open-plan concept creates a natural gathering space for family and friends, bringing people together while maximising every square inch.
How do you create a modern kitchen design?
To help you design a modern kitchen, we’ve compiled ten essential tips. From cabinetry choices to lighting considerations, here’s how you can achieve a truly contemporary kitchen:
1. Go for Clean Lines
If it’s a paired-back, linear space you’re after, then handleless cabinetry is for you. Our latest design, Linear Edge is a handleless door with a clean-lined full-width cutback for a very modern aesthetic. Its in-frame construction gives it an edge on some flat fronted designs and makes it extremely durable. In smaller kitchen spaces, the absence of handles helps to make a room feel bigger, while in a kitchen with lots of cabinetry, it prevents an overload of steel handles. If you don’t want to commit to all handleless doors then you can give a run of classic Shaker cabinets a modern edge by dressing them with sleek bar handles, adding modern built-in appliances and topping with cool composite worktops. For added contemporary chic, mix and match styles incorporating flat-fronted wall cabinets.
2. Stay Neat with Hidden Storage
The key to modern design is a clean, uncluttered feel to work surfaces. While we all might want that statement – and often used – KitchenAid mixer on show, that doesn’t necessarily work for all the other kitchen paraphernalia it’s so easy to collect. Hiding kitchen clutter, particularly in open-plan kitchens is essential, so plan in plenty of storage with deep pan drawers, tambour units to keep small appliances, crockery and china out of site. Floor to ceiling handleless cupboards can hide a multitude of sins so if you have space, they’re a good investment. Remember, though, for your kitchen to work efficiently, you’ll want easy access to all these things when you do need them, so we recommend siting pan drawers by ovens, larders close to prep areas and china close to the dishwasher.
3. Choosing Worktops
The latest composites are perfect for contemporary kitchens as their colour and any pattern are consistent and choice has grown over the past few years to include everything from pure brilliant white to zingy orange. Plain white worktops complement modern cabinetry beautifully but if you want a slightly less clinical feel then manufacturers such as Silestone and Ceasarstone are now producing man-made composites that look like natural materials. Of course, while they can look just like marble or concrete, the real benefit of these surfaces is that they are much easier to look after than natural stones, particularly very porous ones such as marble. They’re also fabulous for creating feature splashbacks – for instance bookmatching a faux marble – with less of a financial outlay than, say, Carrara.
4. Selecting your Appliances
Modern kitchens really are about clean lines, and that goes for appliances, too. If you have your heart set on a range cooker, then choose one of the more modern steel models from Mercury, Smeg or Rangemaster. Integrate as many appliances as you can and if possible, place items such as washing machines and tumble dryers in utility rooms. Keep sightlines clear by installing simple below cabinet, in-ceiling or pop-up extractors rather than fancy hanging pendants, keep fridges and freezers behind closed doors and invest in good-looking, hardworking built-in cooking appliances and a sleek glass zoned induction hob. Finish off with a few modern-day luxuries such as a boiling water tap offered by Quooker, pop-up power points and cool lighting.
5. Enhance with Modern Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in modern kitchens. Under-cabinet lighting highlights work surfaces, while recessed ceiling lights add a soft, ambient glow. Pendant lights can add drama over a kitchen island, but in smaller kitchens, slim LED strips keep the focus on the streamlined cabinetry.
6. Consider Colour Schemes
Contemporary kitchens often embrace neutral or monochrome palettes, with classic shades of white, grey, and black creating a clean finish. However, today’s modern kitchens are seeing a shift toward more expressive colour choices, with deep, rich hues like navy, burgundy, and forest green adding layers of personality and sophistication. These bold colours lend a sense of warmth and depth to the space, transforming the kitchen into a statement area within the home.
7. Invest in High-Tech Luxuries
Modern kitchens embrace the latest technology to enhance convenience. Features like a Quooker boiling water tap, pop-up power points, or an induction hob with zoned heating add functionality while maintaining a sleek look. These additions make everyday tasks easier and elevate the kitchen’s style.
8. Add a Multifunctional Island
In a modern kitchen, the island is more than just a focal point—it’s the heart of the room, combining form and function in one stylish package. A well-designed island offers extra prep space, comfortable seating, and hidden storage, all while anchoring the overall design. Think about what you need most in your kitchen, and customize your island to fit: drawers for utensils, open shelving for cookbooks, or perhaps a built-in wine cooler for easy entertaining. Make the island a true extension of your style and lifestyle. For even more ideas, check out our blog on What is a Kitchen Island?.
9. Select Durable Flooring
A modern kitchen should have flooring that balances style with durability. Consider hardwearing materials like porcelain tiles or engineered wood that add warmth and are easy to clean. Stick to colours that complement the cabinetry and worktops for a cohesive look.
10. Keep Your Kitchen Organised
Maintain order with drawer organisers, pull-out pantry shelves, and integrated bins. Keep your kitchen tools and gadgets in their designated spaces to avoid countertop clutter. If you’re short on space, compact modular units like pull-out spice racks or corner carousels maximise storage in small areas.
Creating a modern kitchen involves a blend of smart design choices, from clean-lined cabinetry and hidden storage to integrated appliances and thoughtful lighting. By following these ten tips, you’ll create a stylish, functional kitchen that’s perfect for contemporary living. Whether you’re planning a complete kitchen remodel or a few updates, these ideas will guide you toward a clutter-free, streamlined space you’ll love.
For more personalised advice on modern kitchen designs, contact our expert designers. Find your nearest Harvey Jones showroom here or call us at 0800 389 6938 to speak directly with a designer.
